In a recent development surrounding Justin Timberlake's DWI arrest, new details have emerged from employees at The American Hotel in New York City. The incident, which took place on June 18, has drawn significant media attention, with various accounts attempting to clarify the events of that night.
An anonymous staff member from The American Hotel spoke to People magazine, providing insight into Timberlake's activities. The employee corroborated Timberlake's statement that he had only consumed "one martini" on the evening of his arrest. Another hotel employee supported this claim, adding that if Timberlake had been drinking more heavily, it did not occur at their establishment. "If he was drinking more, it wasn't here," the employee stated.
Timberlake, 43, was apprehended by the Sag Harbor Police Department for driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons. The police reported that Timberlake was observed driving a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street, failing to stop at a stop sign, and not maintaining his lane. The arresting officer from the Sag Harbor Village Police Department initiated a traffic stop and determined that Timberlake was operating his vehicle in an intoxicated state.
Court records obtained by CNN reveal that Timberlake told the officers he had only consumed "just one martini and was simply following his friends home." However, descriptions from sources indicated that Timberlake's eyes were red and watery, and there was a strong smell of alcohol on his breath. The police officer noted signs of drunkenness, including slurred speech, instability, and poor performance on sobriety tests. Despite being asked three times, Timberlake refused to take a breathalyzer test.
After his arrest, Timberlake was briefly detained and spent the night in custody before appearing in court at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court the next day. By 9:30 AM, he was released without bail.
Reflecting on the incident, Timberlake addressed the situation during his performance at Chicago's United Center on June 21. According to Deadline, Timberlake expressed his gratitude to his fans, saying, "This tour is just something that keeps watching over me, more so on this tour than any other. That's that mostly all of us here in this room tonight, in this arena tonight, have grown up together. So many of you come up to me and say, 'I grew up with you, man.'"
He continued, "I want each and every one of you to know I've grown up with you. You have been such a big and beautiful part of my life and sometimes I can't find the words to show my gratitude that you guys just keep riding with me and riding with me."
"And from the bottom of my heart, I want you to know that until I'm somewhere off this earth, I will never forget each and every one of you. You made my life so special. And tonight in Chicago, you have made us feel loved."
The incident has sparked discussions about celebrity behavior and the responsibilities that come with fame. Timberlake's interaction with law enforcement and his subsequent public address highlight the complexities faced by public figures when dealing with legal issues and maintaining their public image.